More at stake than higher fines

By The Gazette Editorial Board

A number of new motor vehicle laws take effect today, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

A ban on texting while driving, stricter seat belt rules and higher fines for speeding and other violations - all are rules designed to help make our roadways safer.

Drivers may groan at the restrictions or grouse about the cost. Young drivers especially may feel singled out by some of the changes.

And, yes, the state will raise more money by raking in more fines and fees, but that's not the primary reason legislators passed tougher traffic laws. The bottom line is safety, and parents and educators would do well to remember, and to remind young drivers, of that goal.

Of the changes that begin today, perhaps the ban on texting while driving is the most dramatic. A new state law prohibits most drivers from writing, sending or reading text or e-mail messages while operating a motor vehicle.

The law further restricts teenagers driving with restricted or intermediate licenses, instructional or school permits. Those drivers can't use any cell phone or electronic devices while driving.

That will mean changing some significant habits for many drivers - which is why the law contains a generous, yearlong grace period. But it also should make our roadways safer.

Texting and cell phone use are significant contributors to distracted driving and accidents. Drivers should begin to break those dangerous cell phone habits now, even though they'll only be issued warning tickets until next July.

Another potentially big behavior change will be called for by tougher requirements for back-seat seat belt usage.

Before today, only younger children were required to buckle up in the back seat. Now, every passenger under the age of 18 must be belted in - regardless of where they're sitting.

If they don't, drivers or passengers stand to take a $127.50 hit in fines and costs. That's another move designed to save lives - seat belts dramatically increase a passenger's chance of survival in the event of a serious accident.

And finally, state fines for nearly all moving and non-moving violations are increasing today. If they are ticketed, drivers should expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $100 more than they would have Wednesday.

It's a move lawmakers hope will help the state maintain public safety services, as well as avoid layoffs in the face of revenue shortfalls.

That change has some drivers crying foul. But even with the boost, Iowa's fines remain below the regional average, according to state Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids.

And a heavier hit to the wallet is yet another reminder to Iowans that they must drive responsibly.

After all, there is a lot more than money at stake.